Carngham Bushfire Appeal to help affected families

AN APPEAL has been launched by the Bendigo Bank to assist families affected by the Carngham bushfire on Tuesday.

The Carngham Bushfire Appeal will collect funds to support families affected by the fires, in co-operation with the Pyrenees Shire and Ballarat Community Health.

Bendigo Bank’s state manager Vicki Pearce said interest relief would be provided to Bendigo Bank borrowers who lost homes, businesses or income as a result of the fire.

“We will do what we can to assist these customers and we have a range of financial support options we can discuss with them,” Mrs Pearce said.

“Our aim is to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Ballarat Community Health chief executive officer Robyn Reeves said the centre would be involved with the disbursement of money to people who needed it following the fires, as well as providing personal support for anyone in need.

“There is a great deal of need for support right now. Nine homes were lost, 11 other structures were damaged, and 40 property owners and lots of land was affected,” Mrs Reeves said.

The Courier general manager Brett Macdonald said it was important that the community was made aware of what was going on with the appeal.

“These families need immediate assistance so it’s not about collecting cash and giving it to them a couple of months from now. We need to help these families right now,” Mr Macdonald said.

“So anyone that can assist by donation, we encourage to do so by going in to any Bendigo Bank.

“We encourage local businesses to cut out the poster on the appeal on page 25 and put it in their shop windows so the message can reach even more people.”

The Carngham Bushfire Appeal has already received a $5000 donation from Beaufort Community Bank Branch.

Bendigo Bank branches across Australia will accept appeal donations or they can be made online at bendigobank.com.au/foundation/carnghamfire.

Gayle and Ray Stone’s house was one of nine destroyed by the Carngham bushfire on Tuesday.